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I didn't fully understand just how useful it could be for rpg maps until I came across a series of threads by a user named None the Wiser on the Goodmangames messageboards.

Go to the forums (http://www.goodmangames.com/forum.htm) and look in the "art & artists" subforum near the bottom of the forum listings. None's threads should be near the top in the subforum and check out the 3-D Wildsgate Excursion thread (based on maps from a DCC module). Incredible--I'll never look at towns and the old classic dnd "overhead" map quite the same way again. His Sunken Ziggurat thread is pretty amazing as well.

After posting my "Holy Isle" isometric/perspective sketch over in the finished maps threads, the response many people gave of "I wish I could draw" made me wonder whether/how someone with little/no training in perspective drawing could still come up with at least a basic 3-D sketch using the wonders of modern technology. SketchUp came immediately to mind: create a simple render then improve it in an art program.

Google SketchUp then showed up on radar at the exact same time I wondered about it in a thread over at the EN World boards--with people asking if it could be used for this same purpose! (http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=202314) Coincidental, eh?

And now I see that amazing series by "None the Wiser"--that's ironic!

How can we not see a lot of uses for SketchUp type programs? To make a map (either 2D or in perspective) & be able to easily manipulate views and shots from unlimited angles is the way of the future for computer mapping, for both hobby and professional cartographers.

Another Look at Sketchup

I first became aware of sketchup from thebax2k's post and have been reviewing tutorials and experimenting with the program ever since. Is anyone else continuing experimentation/use of Sketchup?

Here is a 2-D picture I used from a published adventure, The Shackled City Adventure Path, to create my first 3-D model.

I like the idea of being able to create the streets and roof lines of villages/communities with basic 3-D shapes as seen from above and then develop specific buildings interiors as they become relevant.

Attached Thumbnails

"Rationality is the recognition of the fact that nothing can alter the truth and nothing can take precedence over that act of perceiving it."

Resources for Sketchup

The only complaint I have so far with Sketchup is I cannot seem to get the stamp tool to work properly. The stamp tool allows one to place building onto interesting 3-D terrain more seamlessly by raising the proposed land to meet the building, much like a foundation. I believe this limitation has more to do with my limited computer processor speed than with the limitations of the program.

I wanted to point out two resources I found to be of use/example of what this program is capable of.

Thread comment on Fister's work....

Fister,

Glad my post could be of some help. Its wonderful to see a mapper discover a new and useful tool. What you've posted looks really good. Should you create any more 3d displays and feel like sharing them, I certainly would like to see them. Although i'm sure there's far more work involved than in creating buildings, any dungeons you manage to flesh out would be very welcome.

I had no idea the tutorials existed, they should be quite helpful for anyone else who gets interested in using the program--thanks. By the way, have you had any luck contacting None the Wiser? It was his work that really gave me an idea of how incredible SketchUP could be in the right hands. If anyone could be considered an expert with it, he could.